Hydraulically set well tools



March 8, 1966 K. LEUTWYLER HYDRAULICALLY SET WELL TOOLS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 5. 1962 INVENTOR K0197 LEUTWYLER flrramvEys.

March 8, 1966 K. LEUTWYLER HYDRAULICALLY SET WELL TOOLS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed NOV. 5, 1962 E00 5&0

, INVENTOR.

IKE/er [EUTWYLER flrromveys.

March 8, 1966 K. LEUTWYLER HYDRAULICALLY SET WELL TOOLS flrraelvsys.

March 8, 1966 K. LEUTWYLER HYDRAULICALLY SET WELL TOOLS flrramvs Ys.

Filed Nov. 5

United States Patent 3,239,009 HYDRAULICALLY SET WELL TOOLS Kurt Leutwyler, Whittier, Calili, assignor to Baker Oil Tools, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California Filed Nov. 5, 1962, Ser. N 235,353 19 Claims. (Cl. 166-420) The present invention relates to subsurface well tools, and more particularly to well packers, and similar well tools, adapted to be set in well bores.

An object of the present invention is to provide a well packer, or the like, adapted to be set hydraulically in a well bore without the necessity for moving the lower portion of the packer, thereby enabling the packer to be used in tandem with another packer in the well bore without disturbing the relationshipbetweenthe packers.

Another object of the invention is to provide a well packer, or the like, having a plurality of separate parallel passages for association with parallel tubular strings extending to the top of the well bore, the packer being adapted to be placed in appropriate relation to another packer therebelow, and in which setting of the parallel passage packer in the Well bore can be accomplished hydraulically without moving its lower portion and without disturbing its relation to the packer therebelow.

A further object of the invention is to provide a well packer, or the like, having a plurality of separate parallel passages for association with parallel tubular strings extending to the top of the well bore, the packer being adapted to be run in the well bore to its setting location on one of the tubular strings and then set in the well bore without the necessity for any longitudinal movement of such tubular string. The absence of longitudinal movement of the tubular string enables the packer to be appropriately related to a lower well packer, if one is present in the well bore, and also permits the surface connections with the tubular string at the top of the well bore to be completed before the parallel passage packer is set.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a well packer adapted to be set in a well bore by the hydrostatic head of fluid therein acting on a piston and piston rod device, in which such head offluid is caused to act over the area of the piston rod, as well as on the piston, thereby increasing the eifective setting force on the packer.

Another object of the invention is to provide a packer, or the like, adapted to be set hydraulically in the well bore, in which its premature or inadvertent setting is prevented by an improved lock device embodied in the packer.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of a form in which it may be embodied. This formv is shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. It will now be described in detail, for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a well packer with its parts in position for running in a well casing on a tubular string;

FIGS. 2a and 2b constitute a longitudinal section through the well packer disclosed .in FIG. 1, FIG. 2b being a lower continuation of FIG. 2a;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-section taken along the line 3-3 on FIG. 2b;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged longitudinal section taken along the line 4--4 on FIG. 211;

Patented Mar, 8, 1966 FIGS. 5a and 5b are views corresponding to FIGS. 2a and 2b disclosing the well packer set inthe well casing, FIG. 5b constituting a lower continuation of FIG. 5a;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section taken along the line 66 on FIG. 512;

FIG. 7 is an isometric projection of the lock sleeve forminga portion of the well packer apparatus;

FIGS. 8a and 8b are longitudinal sections through a portion of the apparatus, disclosing the parts in the position they occupy after retraction of the well packer from the well casing, FIG. 8b constituting a lower continuation of FIG. 8a;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section through a cylinder and piston portion of the apparatus and associated slip andexpander structure, with the piston in its initial upper position in the cylinder and the slips retracted;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 with the piston device shifted and the slips expanded against the well "ice casing;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-section taken along the line 1111 on FIG. 512;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-section taken along the line 1:212 on FIG. 2b;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-section taken along the line 13-13 on FIG. 2b;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-section taken along the line 1414 on FIG. 1, and

FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-section taken along the line 1515 on FIG. 1.

The apparatus A exemplifying the invention in the drawings is a well packer adapted to be set in a well casing B disposed in a well bore for the purpose of conducting well production from a plurality of separate producing zones in the wall bore through separate paths and tubular strings 10, 11 to the top of the hole. As shown in the drawings, the well packer A is of the retrievable type, and is adapted to be anchored in packed-0E condition in a well casing against movement in a downward direction, and, if desired, also against movement in an upward direction.

The packer includes first and second parallel tubular body members 12, 13, the second body member 13 having an upper threaded pin 14 threaded in a lower bore 15 in a receptacle or parallel string head 16. The passage through the second tubular string 11 communicates with a second passage 17 extending upwardly through the parallel string head 16. The second tubular string 11 can be lowered from the top of the well bore into the casing for reception within the second passage 17. As shown, the lower portion of the second tubular string includes a sub 18 having a suitable side seal 19 mounted thereon for sealing against the wall of the second passage. Depending from this sub is a latch device 20, including a plurality of spring-like arms 21 having central cam projections or fingers 22 adapted to be received under a flange or shoulder 23 in the parallel string head below its sealing region of the second passage. These fingers 22 are engageable with the head shoulder 23 when the second tubular string is being inserted in the passage, such engagement springing the fingers 22 and arms 21 inward sufficiently so that the fingers ride past the shoulder to a position therebelow for the purpose of retaining the second tubular string 11 in the second passage 17 with its seal 19 engaging the wall of the latter. The exertion of a sufiicient upward pull on the second tubular string 11 will cause the fingers 22 to engage the lower tapered surface 24 of the head shoulder 23, which cams or forces the fingers 22 and the latch arms 21 inwardly until the fingers ride past the flange 23, whereupon the second tubular string 11 can be withdrawn completely from the second passage 17, and, if desired, removed entirely from the well casing B and the well bore.

In the use of the well packer apparatus A illustrated in the drawings, it may be lowered in the well casing on the first tubular string to its setting location. Thereafter, the second tubular string 11 is lowered in the well casing and will engage an inclined head or guide surface at the top of the receptacle or head 16, such surface causing the lower portion of the second tubular string to slide toward and into the second passage 17.

The first tubular string 10 is suitably connected, as by means of a coupling 26, to the first tubular body member 12 that extends downwardly through a first longitudinal passage 27 in the receptacle or head. The first tubular body member 12 is slidable in the first longitudinal passage 27 and extends downwardly therefrom to a substantial extent and almost throughout the longitudinal extent of the well packer, as described in detail hereinbelow.

The first and second tubular body members 12, 13 extend through an upper connector 28 engaging the lower end of the parallel string head or receptacle 16, this upper connector being secured to the second tubular body or mandrel 13 by a two-piece ring 29 engaged in a peripheral groove 30 in the second tubular body and received within a counterbore 31 in the upper connector, and also contacting an upper insert 32 through which the body members 12, 13 pass. The insert is clamped to the lower end of the upper connector 28, and also against the coupling ring 29 mounted on the second tubular body, by an upper gauge ring 33 threaded on the upper connector and having an inwardly directed flange 34 engaging the upper insert 32. The upper insert 32 also contacts a two-piece stop ring 35 mounted in a peripheral groove 36 in the first tubular body member, the ring 35 also being received within an enlarged diameter bore or counterbore 37 in the upper connector, which counterbore 37 continues upwardly into the receptacle 16 and terminates in a downwardly facing shoulder 38 therewithin. As explained hereinbelow, the first tubular body member 12 may be moved by the first tubular string 10 upwardly of the connector 28 and the receptacle 16, its stop ring 35 sliding in the counterbore 37 until it engages the downwardly facing receptacle shoulder 38.

The first and second tubular body members 12, 13 extend downwardly through an initially and normally retracted packing structure 39, an expander 40, a slip structure 41 for anchoring the well packer against longitudinal movement in the well casing B, and a hydraulic actuating mechanism 42. The packing structure 39 can assume any desired form. As disclosed, it includes a plurality of pliant, elastic packing elements 43, made of rubber or rubber-like material, having bores 44 therethrough to accommodate the first and second body members 12, 13, and also including intervening spacers 45 provided with bores 46 through which the body members 12, 13 extend. The upper packing element 43 is engageable by the upper gauge ring 33 and insert 32, its lower end engaging a spacer 45, which, in turn, engages an intermediate packing element 43 contacting a spacer 45 which engages a lower pliant, elastic packing element 43 that contacts a lower insert 47 having bores 48 receiving the body members 12, 13. The lower packing element 43 also contacts a lower gauge ring 49 threaded on the expander 40 and having an inwardly directed flange 50a clamping the lower insert 47 against the upper end of the expander 40. The expander is provided with a pair of bores or passages 50 through which the first and second body members 12, 13 extend. The expander 40, lower insert 47, and lower gauge ring 49 are movable as a unit relative to the first and second tubular body members 12, 13. Downward movement of these parts relative to the second tubular body member 13 is prevented by a two-piece stop ring 51 mounted in a peripheral groove 52 in the second body member and engaging the lower end of the lower insert 47. The bore through the expander 40 below the insert 47 is of an enlarged diameter along an extended length to permit relative downward movement of the second body member 13 to an extent limited by engagement of its stop ring 51 with the lower end 53 of the expander defining its enlarged diameter bore 50.

The lower expander 40 has a plurality of spaced slots 54, the bases 55 of which provide expander surfaces tapering in a downward and inward direction (see FIGS. 1, 9, 10 and 15). The upper portions 56 of slips 57 are disposed in these slots 54, the inner portion of the slips having tapered surfaces 58 companion to the expander surfaces 55 and movable longitudinally relative thereto, as well as laterally outwardly and inwardly into and from engagement with the wall of the surrounding Well casing. Each slip has opposed side tongues 59 slidable in companion grooves 60 in the expander, so that the slips 57 are moved positively from an expanded to retracted position upon longitudinal separating movement between the expander 40 and slips 57. The lower ends of the slips are connected to a slip ring 61 having a pair of bores 62 through which the body members 12, 13 extend, there being a slidable connection between lower T-shaped heads 63 of the slips and companion T-shaped grooves 64 formed in the slip ring 61. Such T-shaped connection 63, 64 causes the slips 57 to move jointly longitudinaly with the slip ring 61, while permitting their movement radially of the slip ring toward the well casing B and from the well casing. To facilitate such radial movement, the T-shaped heads and the companion grooves in the slip ring are inclined to a small extent in an outward and downward direction, as disclosed most clearly in FIGS. 9 and 10.

The first and second tubular body members 12, 13 extend downwardly from the slip ring 61 through a thrust sleeve structure 66 and into the first and second parallel passages 67, 68 of a hydraulic housing 69 forming a portion of the hydraulic actuating mechanism 42. The thrust sleeve 66 interconnects the hydraulic housing 69 with the slip ring 61. As disclosed, the thrust sleeve 66 is formed in two halves and has an upper internal flange 70 received within a peripheral groove 71 in the slip ring 61. Similarly, the thrust sleeve has a lower internal flange 72 received within a peripheral groove 73 in the upper portion of the hydraulic housing 69. The upper flange 70 is prevented from being removed from the slip ring groove by a retainer ring 74 encompassing the slip ring 61 and an upwardly extending skirt 75 on the thrust sleeve, upward longitudinal movement of the retainer ring from the skirt being prevented by a screw 76 threaded into the slip ring. In a similar manner, the lower flange 72 is prevented from being removed from its groove 73 by a retainer ring 74 encompassing the hydraulic housing 69 and also a lower skirt 77 of the thrust sleeve, this retainer ring being prevented from sliding downwardly from the skirt by a stop screw 76 threaded into the hydraulic housing.

The first tubular body member 12 is releasably connected to the slip ring 61 by pin and slot connections. As shown, the exterior of the first body member 12 is provided with circumferentially spaced control slots or grooves 78, each slot including a longitudinal leg 79 and longitudinally spaced upper lock slot or groove portions 80 communicating with the longitudinal leg. Shearable lock pins or screws 81 are threadedly secured to the slip ring 61 and extend into the control slots 78. Initially, they extend into the horizontal or locking slot portions 80 to prevent relative longitudinal movement between the first body member 12 and the slip ring 61, as well as, between the first body member 12 and the hydraulic hous. ing 69. Upon turning the first body member 12 to the right, its longitudinal slots 79 are aligned with the shear pins or screws 81, which will then permit upward longi\ tudinal movement of the first body member 12. within, the

slip ring 61 and also within the first passage 67 in the hydraulic housing. However, inadvertent turning of the first body member 12 relative to the slip ring 61 and the hydraulic housing 69 is precluded initially by one or more shear screws 83 threaded in the slip ring 61 and also into the first tubular body member 12.

Initially, longitudinal movement of the second body member 13 relative to the slip ring 61, and also relative to the hydraulic housing 69, is prevented by a releasable lock device 84, which will prevent the receptacle or head 16 and other portions of the well packer above the packing structure 39 from moving downwardly toward the slip ring 61, so as to efiect outward expansion of the slips 57 and shortening and outward expansion of the packing structure 39 into engagement with the well casing. The lock structure (FIGS. 21), 3, 4 and 7) includes a two-piece sleeve 85 disposed around the second body member 13 with its upper end engaging a downwardly facing shoulder 86 thereon. The sleeve 85 also extends into an enlarged diameter lower portion 87 of the slip ring 61 and is also disposed within a counterbore 88 of a connector plate 89 through which the body members 12, 13 extend and which forms part oat the hydraulic actuating mechanism 42. This plate 89 can move downwardly relative to the first body memer 12, but it can only move downwardly to a limited extent along the second body member '13, as determined by engagement of its inwardly directed flange 90 with a split coupling ring or C-ring 91 disposed around the second body member and resting upon a lower shoulder 92 thereon. Initially, the connector plate flange 90 is spaced above the coupling ring 91 of the second body member to allow the connector plate 89 to move downwardly to a limited extent along the second body member .13 for the purpose of releasing the lock device 84 and permitting the second body member 13 to move downwardly of the slip ring 61 and within the hydraulic housing 69. At first, such downward movement cannot occur since a pair of opposed lock pins 93 are disposed swivelly in bores 94 in the slip ring 61 radial of the lock sleeve 85, with the inner square head portions 95 of the pins received within inclined upper slot portions 96 of the sleeve. The sleeve 85 is initially prevented from turning within the slip ring 61, so as to maintain the square pin heads 95 engaged with the upper inclined sides 97 of the slots 96, by -a key 98 fixed to the connector plate and extending into a vertical slot 99 in the sleeve 85. So long as the key 98 is disposed in the slot 99, the sleeve 85 cannot turn. Downward thrust of the second body member 13, which will be transmitted through its upper shoulder 86 to the lock sleeve 85, cannot effect a turning of the sleeve 85, which is necessary for the sleeve to shift downwardly relative to the swivel pins 93 and be disconnected therefrom. It is the shifting of the connector plate 89 downwardly to the extent limited by engagement of its flange 90 with the coupling or C-ring 91 which will remove its key 98 from the sleeve slot 99. The downward thrust of the plate 89 on the second body member 13, imposed through the coupling ring 91, can then cause the upper inclined sides 97 of the sleeve to engage the pins 93 and eltect a partial rotation of the sleeve 85 and its downward shitting along the pins 93 until the sleeve is disposed below and completely disengaged from them. The second body member 13 can thereafter shift downwardly through the slip ring 61.

Downward movement of the second body member 13 with respect to the slip ring 61 will result in outward expansion of the slips 57 and shortening and outward expansion of the packing structure 39 into engagement with the wall of the well casing B. Such downward movement and setting of normally retracted parts of the well packer is efiected hydraulically, and more specifically by the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore or well casing.

As disclosed perhaps most clearly in FIGS. 9 to 1-3, inelusive, the hydraulic housing 69 is provided with a plurality of longitudinal cylinders 100 closed at their lower ends, each cylinder containing a piston structure comprising a piston 101 suitably secured to a piston rod 102 extending upwardly through a cylinder head 103 secured to the housing by engagingan upwardly facing shoulder 104 of the housing surrounding the cylinder and by a set screw 105 threaded in the housing and into the cylinder head. Each cylinder has an inlet port 106 above its piston 101 and: immediately below the cylinder head 103 communicating with the second passage 68 through the housing 69-, and eachicylinder also has a pressure equalizing or vent port 107 communicating with the first passage 67 extending through the housing.

The piston 101 has a suitable seal ring structure 108 thereon slidably andsealingly engaging the wall of the cylinder 100 and held on the piston by a suitable retainer 109. Initially, the cylinder space below the piston 101 contains air at atmospheric pressure, the lower portion 12a of the first body member 12' extending across the pressure equalizing or vent ports 107 toprevent any fluid pressure from entering such ports. Suitable side seal rings 110 are mounted in the housing on opposite sides of the vent ports 107, which sealingly engage with the periphery of the first body member 12a to prevent passage of fluid into such ports and into the lower ends of the cylinders 100. The head 103 also has suitable seal rings 103a, 10Gb engaging the cylinder wall and rod 102 to prevent leakage therealong.

Fluid under pressure is initially prevented from entering the inlet ports 106-opening into the cylinders 100 above the pistons 101 by a valve sleeve 1111 in the second housing passage 68 which is secured initially to the lower end of the second body member'13 by shear screws 112. The valve sleeve carries suitable spaced side seal rings 113 sealingly engaging with the wall of the second housing passage on opposite sides of the inlet ports 106. The valve sleeve has spring-like legs 114 terminating in fingers 115 which project inwardly of the sleeve to an effective internal diameter less than the internal diameter through the second body member 13 and also through the upper impertorate portion of the valve sleeve 111. When a suitable tripping ball valve element 116 is lowered or pumped through the second tubular string 11, it will pass through the second body member 13 and come to rest upon the fingers 1'15. Thereafter, fluid pressure can be built up of a suflicient value to overcome the shear strength ot" the screws 112, shifting the valve sleeve 1 11 downwardly in the housing passage 68 to a position opening the inlet ports 106 and allowingthe hydrostatic head of fluid in the second tubular string 11 and in the well casing B to enter the cylinders 100 above the pistons 101 and shift the latter in a downward direction. The valve sleeves 111 is moved downwardly hydraulically within the housing 69 to a position in which its fingers L15 expand outwardly into a housing recess 117 to increase the internal diameter of the fingers and allow the ball 116 to pass downwardly therethrough and out of the well packer into the well casing, thereby opening the second passage 68 through the well packer.

When the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well casing can act downwardly on the pistons 101', they move downwardly and pull the rods 102 downwardly with them, there being thrust nuts 120 threaded on the piston rods and received within counterbores 121 in the connector plate, the downward movement of the rods carrying the connector plate 89 downwardly with them. Initially, however, the connector plate is held in its upward position by one or more shear screws 122 connecting it to the thrust sleeve 66. With the parts in their initial position, the upper end 102a of each piston rod 102 is disposed in an atmospheric chamber 123 in the slip ring 61, fluid being prevented from passing into this chamber by a suitable side seal ring 124. on the upper end of each rod engaging the cylindrical wall of the atmospheric chamber. In view of the sealing of the upper end 102a of each rod in its associated atmospheric chamber 123, the hydrostatic head of fluid cannot act initially on the upper end of each rod and tend to shift it downwardly. However, when the hydrostatic head of fluid acting on the pistons 101 exerts a sufiicient force thereon and on the rods 102 to shear the screws 122 and move the rods 102 and connector plate 89 downwardly to a slight extent, the upper ends 102a of the rods are pulled out of the atmospheric chambers 123, so that the hydrostatic head of fluid can also act in a downward direction over the entire cross-sectional area of the piston rods 102. In effect, the hydrostatic head of fluid can then act in a downward direction over the entire cross sectional area of each piston 101, bringing to a maximum the total hydraulic force available for downward movement of the piston rods 102 and connector plate 89. Fluid in the thrust sleeve 66 will not resist movement of the plate 89 therewithin since it can pass into and out of the sleeve 66 through the upper and lower bleeder holes 206.

A connector sub 130 is threaded into the lower portion of the hydraulic housing in communication with the first passage 67 so that a suitable length of tubing 131 can be attached to this connector sub, which is adapted to be placed in sealing relation to a lower packer (not shown) anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing. Similarly, if desired, a connector sub 132 can also be threadedly attached to the lower end of the hydraulic housing 69 in communication with the second housing passage 68. A desired length of tubing (not shown) can also be attached to this connector sub for association with a passage through a lower packer (not shown), if such association is necessary, in view of the particular combination of packers installed in the well casing.

The well packer A is run in the well casing on the first tubular string 10 with the packing structure 39 and the slips '7 in retracted position, the parts occupying the relative positions illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2a, 2b and 9. At this time, the lock sleeve structure 84 positively prevents relative movement of the receptacle 16 toward the slip ring 61, and thereby prevents expansion of the slips and packing structure. The connector plate 89 is secured in its upper position by the shear screws 122, the valve sleeve 111 closing the inlet ports 106 and the lower portion 12a of the first body member 12 closing the equalizer or vent ports 107. The Well packer is run to its setting location in the well casing. If a lower packer (not shown) is present in the well casing, the tubing associated with either of the passages 67, 68 in the packer is placed in appropriate relation the passage through the lower packer. The second tubular string 11 is then lowered in the well casing B alongside the first tubular string to the well packer, it lower end engaging the inclined guide 25 of the receptacle 16 and being shifted into the second receptacle passage 17, the latches 20 riding past the flange 23 and releasably securing the second tubular string to the receptacle with its seal 19 in engagement with the wall of the second passage 17 of the receptacle 16.

If desired at this time, the surface connections (not shown) can be completed with the first and second tubular strings, and circulating fluid pumped down through the second tubular string 11, this fluid discharging from the second passage 68 into the casing B, and flowing upwardly around the packer A and the tubular strings 10, 11 back to the top of the well bore, removing the drilling mud, or other fluid, present in the casing string therefrom, and thereby conditioning the well. When the packer A is to be set, the trip ball 116 is lowered or pumped down through the second tubular string 11, passing into the second body or mandrel 13 and coming to rest upon the inwardly projecting fingers 115 of the valve sleeve 111. The pressure of the fluid in the second tubular string 11 and second tubular body 13 is then increased to an extent sufiicient to overcome the shear strength of the screws 112, whereupon the valve sleeve 111 is disconnected from the second body member 13 and shifted downwardly in the second passage 68 to open the inlet ports 106 to the cylinwith the lock pins 81,

ders 100, the valve sleeve 111 shifting downwardly in the housing 69 until its fingers 115 spring into the enlarged recess 117, allowing the ball 116 to be ejected downwardly from the well packer.

Since the cylinders below the pistons 101 contain air at substantialiy atmospheric pressure, the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well casing and in the second tubular string 11 provide a pressure differential and can pass through the inlet ports 106 into the cylinders 100 above the pistons 101, shifting the latter and the piston rods 102 downwardly, the downward force being transferred through the connector plate 89 to the shear screws 122, disrupting the latter and shifting the connector plate 89 downwardly along the first and second body members 12, 13. Downward shifting along the second tubular body member 13 can only occur until the flange 90 engages the coupling ring 91 therebelow. The distance of travel of the connector plate 89, however, has been sufficient to remove the key 98 from the sleeve slot 99, whereupon the downward force of the connector plate is transmitted through the coupling ring 91 to the second tubular member 13, which will shift the sleeve downwardly along the swivel lock pins 93, the sleeve turning around the slip ring 61 and around the second body member 13 until its inclined slots 96 move down free of the swivel pins 93.

The downward force of the hydrostatic head of fluid on the pistons 101 and rods 102 is now transmitted from them to the connector plate 89, the upper ends 102a of the rods having shifted out of their atmospheric chambers 123, this downward movement being transferred through the connector plate flange and coupling ring 91 to the second tubular body member 13, urging this body member downwardly and carrying the upper receptacle or head 16 downwardly with it. At this time, the slip ring 61 is con- :nected to the first body member 12 through the shear screws 81, 83 and cannot move downwardly. Accordingly, the downward movement of the upper receptacle or head 16 toward the slip ring 61 will first shift the packing structure 39 downwardly with it and move the expander 40 downwardly along the slips 57, expanding the slips outwardly against the wall of the well casing B. Continued downward movement of the second body member 13 under the influence of the pistons 101, piston rods 102 and connector plate 89 will then shift the receptacle 16, its upper connector 28, upper insert 32, and upper gauge ring 33 downwardly toward the lower gauge ring 49, lower insert 47, and expander 40, since the expander cannot move downwardly to any further extent, shortening the packing structure 39 and expanding its packing elements 43 outwardly into sealing engagement with the wall of the well casing, and also firmly against the outer surfaces of the tubular body members 12, 13. The hydrostatic head of fluid will act constantly upon the pistons 101, firmly anchoring the slips 57 against downward movernent in the well casing and holding the packing structure 39 sealed against the wall of the well casing. Such action will be maintained continuously since the pressure will be constantly acting on the pistons 101 so long as there is sufficient pressure in the cylinders 100.

With the packer A anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing B, well production from a lower zone can then pass upwardly through a lower packer (not shown) and through the first tubular body member 12 and first tubular string 10 to the top of the well bore. Well production from an upper zone between the lower packer and the packer A illustrated in the drawings can pass upwardly through the second body member 13 and the second tubular string 11 to the top of the Well bore.

If at some future time it is desired to release the packer and retrieve it from the well casing, the first tubular string 10 and body member 12 are turned to the right with a suflicient torque to shear the screws 83 preventing its rotation relative to the slip ring 61. Upon shearing of Such screws, the tubular body member 12 can turn to place the longitudinal legs 79 of its slots in alignment whereupon the first tubular string 9 10 is elevated, moving the first body member 12 upwardly within the hydraulic housing 69 and within the slip structure and packing structure, as well as within the upper receptacle or head 16, until the lower portion 12a of the first body member is moved above the seal rings 110 to open the pressure equalizing or vent ports 107 communicating with the atmospheric chambers in the cylinders 190 below the piston 101. The hydrostatic head of fluid can now enter the atmospheric chambers and equalize the hydraulic pressures on opposite sides of each of the pistons 101, thereby relieving the setting and anchoring force on the well packer parts.

Following equalizing of the pressure, the second tubular string 11', if desired, can be shifted upwardly of' the receptacle 16 to retract its latches 20 and remove the string 11 from the receptacle, whereupon it can be removed completely from the well casing B. Thereafter, the first tubular string 10 and the first body member 12 are elevated until the connector ring 35 shifts upwardly in the enlarged bore 37 of the receptacle and engages the downwardly facing shoulder 38 thereof. Upward movement of the first tubular string 10 and body member 12 will then elevate the receptacle 16 and the second tubular body member 13' connected thereto with respect to the expander 40, allowing the packing structure 39 to retract from the well casing, whereupon the ring 51 secured to the second tubular body member 13 will engage the lower insert 47 and move the expander 40 upwardly with respect to the slips 57, the tongue and groove interconnections 59, 60 between the expander and slips effecting retraction of the latter. The entire well packer A can now be removed.

from the well casing B by elevating the tubular string 10.

In the event that turning of the first tubular string 10 and first body member 12, to effect release of the well packer, cannot take place, the taking of an upward pull on the first tubular string 10 and first body member 12 of a sufliciient extent will shear all of the screws 81, 83 and thereby release the first body member 12 from the slip ring 61, allowing its upward movement with respect to the latter and also within the first passage 67 through the hydraulic housing 69 for the purpose of opening the equalizer or vent ports 107. The well packer parts can then be shifted to a retracted position, allowing the well packer A to be removed from the well casing B in'the manner described above.

From the foregoing description, it is evident that a well tool has been provided in which the lower portions of the tool do not move at all in connection with its setting in the well casing. The first tubular string 10, the first body member 12, the slip ring 61, thrust sleeve 66 and hydraulic housing 69 do not shift longitudinally. The slip ring 61 is held in a fixed position by the first body member 12, the second tubular body member 13-being shifted downwardly hydraulically in order to shift the receptacle 16 toward the slip ring 61 and thereby effect expansion of the slips 57 and of the packing structure 39 against the well casing. Because of this structural arrangement, the tubing 131 associated with the lower portion of the packer may be caused to rest or otherwise be related to a lower packer (not shown), and such tubing need not partake of any movement thereafter, until removal of the well packer may be desired. This enables an appropriate and definite relationship between the packer illustrated in the drawings and the lower packer to be maintained, free from interference by the act of setting the upper well packer in the well casing.

The packer structure described is anchored in packedoif condition in the well casing against downward movement therein. If desired, it can also be anchored against upward movement. The receptacle or head 16 is provided with generally radially disposed cylinders 150 (FIGS. 1, 14), the inner portions of which communicate with the second passage 17 of the head through intervening ports 151. Each cylinder contains a gripping member 152 having wickers or teeth 153 adapted to embed themselves in the wall of the well casing and resist upward movement. The gripping members are initially urged toward a retracted position completely within the cylinders by helical compression springs 1S4 engaging retainers and spring seats 155 extending across vertical slots 156 in the gripping members and suitably secured to the receptacle or head 16, and also engaging the gripping members themselves, urging them inwardly of the cylinders. The fluid pressure in the second passage 17 will pass through the ports 151 into the inner portions of the cylinders, urging the gripping members or pistons 152 outwardly into firm gripping engagement with the wall of the well casing. Leakage of fluid around the gripping members is prevented by suitable side seal rings 157 on each of them, slidably and sealingly engaging the wall of the radial cylinders 150.

I claim:

1. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore and to be retracted therefrom, the lower portion of said normally retracted means being secured to said body means and the upper portion of said normally retracted means being movable downwardly of said body means; hydraulically operable means responsive to the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore for shifting the upper portion of said normally retracted means downwardly of said body means, while said lower portion remains secured to said body means, to expand said normally retracted means outwardly; means operatively associated with said" hydraulically operable means for preventing said hydrostatic head of fluid from actuating said hydraulically operable means; means for shifting said preventing means to a position permitting said hydrostatic head of fluid to actuate said hydraulically operable means; and means for substantially equalizing the hydrostatic head of fluid acting on said hydraulically operable means to enable said normally retracted means to be retracted from its outwardly expanded position.

2. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore and to be retracted therefrom; hydraulically operable means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly and having an upper high pressure side and a lower low pressure side; means operatively associated with said hydraulically operable means for preventing the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore from acting on said high pressure and low pressure sides; means for shifting at least a portion of said preventing means to a position permitting action of said hydrostatic head of fluid on said high pressure side, but not on said low pressure side, to cause said hydraulically operable means to move downwardly and expand said normally retracted means; and means for shifting at least a portion of said preventing means to a position permitting action of said hydrostatic head of fluid on said low pressure side to substantially equalize the hydrostatic head acting on said high and low pressure sides and enable said normally retracted means to be retracted from its outwardly expanded position.

3. In apparatus to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore and to be retracted therefrom; a cylinder on said body means; piston means in said cylinder; means operatively connecting said piston means with said normally retracted means; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder above said piston means to shift said piston means downwardly in said cylinder and expand said normally retracted means outwardly; second passage means for conducting said hydrostatic head of fluid to said cylinder below said piston means to enable said normally retracted means to retract from its outwardly expanded position; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

4. In apparatus to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore and to be retracted therefrom; a cylinder on said body means; piston means in said cylinder; means operatively connecting said piston means with said normally retracted means; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore. to said cylinder above said piston means to shift said piston means downwardly in said cylinder and expand said normally retracted means outwardly; second passage means for conducting said hydrostatic head of fluid to said cylinder below said piston means to enable said normally retracted means to retract from its outwardly expanded position; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means; means for sln'fting said first closing means to open position; and means movable by manipulation of said body means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

5. In apparatus adapted to be set in a Well bore: body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore and to be retracted therefrom; hydraulically operable means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly and having an upper high pressure side and a lower low pressure side; means for conducting fluid pressure to said high and low pressure sides of said hydraulically operable means; means operatively associated with said hydraulically operable means for preventing fluid pressure from passing through said conducting means and acting on said high pressure and low pressure sides; means for shifting at least a portion of said preventing means to a position permitting fluid pressure to pass through said conducting means and act on said high pressure side, but not on said low pressure side, to cause said hydraulically operable means to move downwardly and expand said normally retracted means; and means for shifting at least a portion of said preventing means to a position permitting fluid pressure to pass through said conducting means and act on said low pressure side and enable retraction of said normally retracted means from its outwardly expanded position.

6. In apparatus to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore and to be retracted therefrom; a cylinder on said body means; piston means in said cylinder; means operatively connecting said piston means with said normally retracted means; first passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder above said piston means to shift said piston means downwardly in said cylinder and expand said normally retracted means outwardly; second passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder below said piston means to enable said normally retracted means to retract from its outwardly expanded position; first means initially. closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

7. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means adapted to be connected to a tubular string extending to the top of the well bore; a normally retracted expandable and retractable packing on said body means; abutment means on said body means engageable with said packing at the upper end thereof; expander means on said body means engageable with said packing at the lower end thereof; retractable normally retracted slip means connected to said body means and engaging said expander means and expandible outwardly thereby; a cylinder on said body means; piston means in said cylinder; means operatively connecting said piston means with said abutment means; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder above said piston means to shift said piston means downwardly in said cylinder and expand said packing and slip means outwardly; second passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder below said piston means to enable said packing and slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded position; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

8. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means adapted to be connected to a tubular string extending to the top of the well bore; a normally retracted expandable and retractable packing on said body means; abutment means on said body means engageable with the upper end of said packing; expander means on said body means engageable with the lower end of said packing; retractable normally retracted slip means connected to said body means and engaging said expander means and expandible outwardly thereby; a cylinder on said body means; piston means slidable in said cylinder; means operatively connecting said piston means with said abutment means; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder above said piston means to shift said piston means downwardly in said cylinder and expand said packing and slip means outwardly; second passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder below said piston means to enable said packing and slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded position; a sleeve initially closing said first passage means; manipulative means movable by said body means initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said sleeve to a position opening said first passage means; said manipulative means being movable by said body means to a position opening said second passage means.

9. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well here: body means adapted to be connected to a tubular string extending to the top of the Well bore; a normally retracted expandable and retractable packing on said body means; abutment means on said body means engageable with said packing at the upper end thereof; expander means on said body means engageable with said packing at the lower end thereof; retractable normally retracted slip means connected to said body means and engaging said expander means and expandible outwardly there-by; a cylinder on said body means; piston means in said cylinder; means operatively connecting said piston means with said abutment means; first passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder above said piston means to shift said piston means downwardly in said cylinder and expand said packing and slip means outwardly; second passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder below said piston means to enable said packing and slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded position; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

10. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means adapted to be connected to a tubular string extending to the top of the well bore; a normally retracted expandable and retractable packing on said body means; abutment means on said body means engageable with said packing at the upper end thereof; expander means on said body means engageable with said packing at the lower end thereof; retractable norrnally retracted slip means connected to said body means and engaging said expander means and expandible outwardly thereby; a cylinder on said body means; piston means in said cylinder; means operatively connecting said piston means with said abutment means; first passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder above said piston means to shift said piston means downwardly in said cylinder and expand said packing and slip means outwardly; second passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder below said piston means to enable said packing and slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded position; a sleeve initially closing said first passage means; manipulative means movable by said body means initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said sleeve to a position opening said first passage means; said manipulative means being movable by said body means to a position opening said second passage means.

11. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: first and second tubular body members disposed in side-byside relation; abutment means connected to said second body member; normally retracted expandable and retractable packing .means on said body members having an upper end portion engaging said abutment means; expander means on said body members engaging the lower end portionof said packing means; retractable and expandable slip means operatively connected to said first body member'and engaging said expander means to be expanded outwardly thereby; a housing secured to said first body member and having a pas-sage receiving said second body member; said housing having a cylinder therein; piston means in said cylinder operatively connected with said second body member; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fiuid in the well bore to said cylinder above said piston means to shift said piston means downwardly in said cylinder and correspondingly more said second body member, abutment means and expander means toward said slip means to expand said packing means and slip means outwardly; second passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder below said piston means to enable said packing means and slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded position; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing mean-s to open position.

12. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: first and second tubular body members disposed in side-byside relation; normally retracted expandable and retractable packing means on said body members; abutment means operatively connected to said second body member and engaging the upper end of said packing means; expander means on said body members engaging the lower end of said packing means; retractable and expandable slip means releasably connected to said first body member and engaging said expander means to be expanded outwardly thereby; a housing secured to said slip means and having first and second passages receiving said first and second body members, respectively; said housing having a cylinder therein; piston means in said cylinder operatively connected to said second body member; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder above said piston means to shift said piston means downwardly in said cylinder and expand said packing means and slip means outwardly; second passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fiuid in the well bore to said cylinder below said piston means to enable said packing means and slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded position; first means initially closing said first passage means; manipulative means movable by said first body member initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; said first body member being releasable from said slip means and adapted to shift said' manipulative means I to a position opening said second passage means.

13. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: first and second tubular body members disposed in sideby-side relation; abutment means connected to said second body member; normally retracted expandable and retractable packing means on said body members having an upper end portion engaging said abutment means; expander means on said body members engaging the lower end portion of said packing means; retractable and expandable slip means operatively connected to said first body member and engaging said expander means to be expanded outwardly thereby; a housing secured to said first body member and having a passage receiving said second body member; said housing having a cylinder therein; piston means in said cylinder operatively connected with said second body member; first passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder above said piston means to shift said piston means downwardly in said cylinder and expand said packing means and slip mean-s outwardly; second passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder below said piston means to enable said packing means and slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded position; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

14. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: first and second tubular body members disposed in sideby-side relation; normally retracted expandable and retractable packing means on said body members; abutment means operatively connected to said second body member and engaging the upper end of said packing means; expander means on said body members engaging the lower end of said packing means; retractable and expandable slip means releasably connected to said first body member and engaging said expander means to be expanded outwardly thereby; a housing secured to said slip means and having first and second passages receiving said first and second body members, respectively; said housing having a cylinder therein; piston means in said cylinder operatively connected to said second body member; first passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder above said piston means to shift said piston means downwardly in said cylinder and expand said packing means and slip means outwardly; second passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder below said piston means to enable said packing means and slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded positions; first means initially closing said first passage means; means movable by said first body member initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; said first body member being releasable from said slip means for moving said movable means to a position opening said second passage means.

15. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: first and second tubular body members disposed in sideby-side relation; normally retracted expandable and retractable packing means on said body members; abutment means connected to said second body member and engaging the upper end of said packing mean-s; expander means on said body members engaging the lower end of said packing means; retractable and expandable slip means connected to said first body member and engaging said expander means to be expanded outwardly thereby; a housing connected to said slip means having first and second passages receiving said first and second body members, respectively; said housing having a cylinder therein; piston means in said cylinder operatively connected to said second body member; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder above said piston means to shift said piston means downwardly in said cylinder and expand said packing means and slip means outwardly; releasable lock means operatively associated with said piston means and initially securing said second body member to said slip means, said lock means being released upon initial downward movement of said piston means in said cylinder; second passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder below said piston means to enable said packing means and slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded positions; first means initially closing said first passage means; and means controlled by said first body member for initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; said first body member being releasable from said slip means and movable in said housing to shift said second closing means to open position.

16. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: first and second tubular body members disposed in side-by-side relation; normally retracted expandable and retractable packing means on said body members; abutment means connected to said second body member and engaging the upper end of said packing means; expander means on said body members engaging the lower end of said packing means; retractable and expandable slip means connected to said first body member and engaging said expander means to be expanded outwardly thereby; a housing connected to said slip means having first and second passages receiving said first and second body members, respectively; said housing having a cylinder therein; piston means in said cylinder operatively connected to said second body member; first passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder above said piston means to shift said piston means downwardly in said cylinder and expand said packing means and slip means outwardly; releasable lock means operatively associated with said piston means and initially securing said second body member to said slip means, said lock means being released upon initial downward movement of said piston means in said cylinder; second passage means for conducting fluid under pressure to said cylinder below said piston means to enable said packing means and slip means to retract from their outwardly expanded positions; first means initially closing said first passage means; and means controlled by said first body member for initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; said first body member being releasable from said slip means and movable in said housing to shift said second closing means to open position.

17. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore and to be retracted therefrom; a cylinder on said body means; a piston in said cylinder; a piston rod secured to said piston and extending from said cylinder; means operatively connecting said piston rod to said normally retracted means; means initially enclosing an end portion of said piston rod to prevent the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore from acting thereon; first passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the e l ore t said y der on one side of said piston to shift said piston in said cylinder to expand said normally retracted means outwardly, the shifting of said piston moving said end portion of said rod from said confining means to permit the hydrostatic head of fluid to act on said piston rod; second passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder on the other side of said piston to enable said normally retracted means to retract from its outwardly expanded position; first means initially closing said first passage means; second means initially closing said second passage means; means for shifting said first closing means to open position; and means for shifting said second closing means to open position.

18. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; a cylinder on said body means; a piston in said cylinder; a piston rod secured to said piston and extending from said cylinder; means operatively connecting said piston rod to said normally retracted means; means initially enclosing an end portion of said piston rod to prevent the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore from acting thereon; passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore to said cylinder on one side of said piston to shift said piston in said cylinder to expand said normally retracted means outwardly, shifting of said piston moving said end portion of said rod from said enclosing means to permit the hydrostatic head of fluid to act on said piston rod; means initially closing said passage means; and means for shifting said closing means to open position.

19. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means on said body means adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; a cylinder on said body means;

a piston in said cylinder; a piston rod secured to said piston and extending upwardly thereof from said cylinder; means confining the upper end of said piston rod to prevent the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore from acting thereon; means operatively connecting said piston rod to said normally retracted means to expand said normally reracted means outwardly; passage means for conducting the hydrostatic head of fluid in the Well bore to said cylinder above said piston to shift said piston and rod downwardly of said cylinder to remove said piston rod from said confining means and to expand said normally retracted means outwardly; means initially closing said passage means; means for shifting said closing means to open position.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,373,005 4/1945 Baker 166--120X 2,903,066 9/1959 Brown 166-189 X 3,098,524 7/1963 Brown 166--48 3,112,796 12/1963 Myers 166 3,136,364 6/1964 Myers 166-12O JACOB L. NACKENOFF, Primary Examiner.

BENJAMIN HERSH, CHARLES E. OCONNELL,

E a ne 

6. IN APPARATUS TO BE SET IN A WELL BORE: BODY MEANS; NORMALLY RETRACTED MEANS ON SAID BODY MEANS ADAPTED TO BE EXPANDED OUTWARDLY INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE WALL OF THE WELL BORE AND TO BE RETRACTED THEREFROM; A CYLINDER ON SAID BODY MEANS; PISTON MEANS IN SAID CYLINDER; MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTING SAID PISTON MEANS WITH SAID NORMALLY RETRACTED MEANS; FIRST PASSAGE MEANS FOR CONDUCTING FLUID UNDER PRESSURE TO SAID CYLINDER ABOVE SAID PISTON MEANS TO SHIFT SAID PISTON MEANS DOWNWARDLY IN SAID CYLINDER AND EXPAND SAID NORMALLY RETRACTED MEANS OUTWARDLY; SECOND PASSAGE MEANS FOR CONDUCTING FLUID UNDER PRESSURE TO SAID CYLINDER BELOW SAID PISTON MEANS TO 